Urinary Incontinence and Chicago Urogynecology

After childbearing, you may experience occasional leakage of urine when you cough, laugh, or sneeze.  Many women consider this normal.  However, this condition is a result of changes in the muscle and structure of the pelvic floor that, without treatment, can get worse with time.  This is called Stress Urinary Incontinence. We offer innovative surgical and non surgical treatments for annoying urinary incontinence caused both by Overactive Bladder and Stress Urinary Incontinence.  In addition, we specialize in the office evaluation of urogynecology problems with testing such as urodynamics.

Effective Treatment for Stress Urinary Incontinence.  



Mid-urethral slings are newer procedures that you can have on an outpatient basis. These procedures use synthetic materials that the surgeon places midway along the urethra to treat Stress Incontinence and improve women's health. The two general types of mid-urethral slings are retropubic slings, such as the transvaginal tapes (TVT), and transobturator slings (TOT).  Dr. Williams is one of the FIRST in Chicago to adopt the Altis, a more refined and adjustable sling with only ONE incision! 


How is the Single Incision Sling surgery performed?


In sling surgery, a mesh tape is placed under your urethra like a sling or hammock to keep it in its normal position. The tape is inserted through tiny incision in your vagina, with NO exit points.  The anchor is placed in a strong layer of tissue near the top of the pubic bone.  This type of surgery takes about 30 minutes and may be done under local anesthesia so you can cough at the surgeon's request to test the tape's support of your urethra.


How effective is a midurethral sling?


Most studies give an efficacy rate of approximately 85%, meaning 85% of patients are markedly improved or dry.


What can I expect after sling surgery?


Approximately 2-3 hours after your surgery, you will be asked to urinate to test how your bladder and urethra respond to the surgery.  Most patients are allowed to go home the same day.  

TVT surgery usually causes minimal pain and discomfort. Although you may resume most routine activity in 1 week, you will be advised to refrain from from sexual intercourse or strenuous activities for 6 weeks.


What are the risks of Single Incision, TVT, TOT sling surgery?


You may need to have a thin, flexible tube (catheter) placed into your bladder through your urethra to allow urine to drain while you recover from surgery or to teach you to do self-catheterization temporarily.  Most patients are able to empty their bladder completely within one week.  There is also a slight risk of bladder spasticity after the surgery.


Urgent PC Relaxation Room.

Treat Urgency Urinary Incontinence/Overactive Bladder without drugs.​

What is Overactive Bladder Syndrome?


OAB causes the bladder muscle to contract (squeeze involuntarily). This causes an intense urge to urinate, known as urgency. Urgency can occur many times during the day and night. In some cases, accidental urine leakage occurs with the urgency. This is called urge incontinence, which is the inability to control the urinary bladder function. There are many types of incontinence, urge incontinence being one of then. A disease that affects the bladder nerves, such as multiple sclerosis, can lead to OAB. Other conditions, such as urinary tract infection (UTI) or prostate problems in men, can lead to OAB.  But the exact cause of OAB is often not known.The Urgent PC Neuromodulation System is a unique way to treat urge incontinence without medications. It is a combination of a hand-held stimulator, thin needle electrode and a lead set.  Using principles of Acupuncture, the stimulator generates electrical impulses that are delivered to the patient through the lead set to treat Overactive Bladder, also known as urgency incontinence.


How does Urgent PC work?


The Urgent PC system delivers a specific type of neuromodulation called percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS).  During treatment, a small, slim needle is inserted near your ankle at a specific trigger point. The needle/electrode system is then connected to the battery-powered stimulator. During your 30-minute treatment, mild impulses from the stimulator travel through the needle electrode, along your leg and to the nerves in your pelvis that control bladder function. This overactive bladder treatment process is also referred to as neuromodulation.


How do I get the treatment?


You will receive your 12 sessions of Urgent PC in our relaxing, spa-like atmosphere.  During each 30 minute session, we will evaluate your progress and monitor your bladder diet and diary.  


How effective is Urgent PC for urge incontinence?


60-80% of patients see improvement in their symptoms. Urgent PC may even work where other treatments, such as medications, have failed.


Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis



What are the symptoms of interstitial cystitis?

  • The frequent and urgent need to urinate


  • Pain in the genitals or anus

  • Painful sexual intercourse

What causes interstitial cystitis?
Possible causes include:


Infection of your bladder

Allergic reaction in your bladder

Nerve problems

Substances found in the urine that are irritating to your bladder

How is interstitial cystitis treated?

Medication options include:




  • Antihistamines. These may help reduce inflammation and ease pain.




Other treatments may include:



Lifestyle changes include:




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Now Accepting New Patients!

Call 312.929.9191﻿​

1147 S Wabash Avenue - Suite 200 - Chicago, IL 60605
